GIRARD Council member to resign in July

Four Democratic precinct committeemen in the 3rd Ward will meet to fill the vacancy. By TIM YOVICH VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF GIRARD -- Councilman Brian Kren has decided to resign his 3rd Ward seat effective July 1 to attend law school. Kren, 22, a Democrat, becomes the second councilman to resign this year in this economically troubled community that's in a state-imposed fiscal emergency. Joseph Manente resigned his at-large seat in February because of health reasons. He was replaced by Joseph Christopher, a former mayor. Trumbull County Democratic Party will call a meeting of the 3rd Ward's four Democratic precinct committeemen to name Kren's replacement. Kren, whose second two-year term expires at the end of 2003, announced his decision at Tuesday's council meeting. Kren received his bachelor's degree in political science from Youngstown State University last December and has received a scholarship to attend law school at the University of Akron. Time constraints Kren said that he ran for re-election last year because he was uncertain of his plans at the time but that law school will take up too much of his time to continue on council. He is chairman of council's health and safety committee and is a member of the finance, utilities and community development committees. In other business, Councilwoman Kathleen O'Connell, D-2nd, said council will have to decide before Aug. 22 if it wants to place a levy or income tax increase question on the November general election ballot. Aug. 22 is the deadline to file tax issues with the county elections board. Councilman Joseph Lambert, D-at large, a member of the state fiscal oversight commission, said commission members would rather see the city first attempt to generate revenue by other means, such as the selling of property. Lambert said he has talked with other council members who have a similar philosophy. The city owns Girard Lakes and two other parcels. Sauline said the city can't wait to generate added revenue because the exact amount of revenue is needed to project the city's 2003 budget. Christopher agreed with Sauline. Less revenue Christopher and Sauline pointed out the city won't have the revenue it had this year. City Auditor Sam Zirafi said he anticipates the city will end the year with no added deficit. The city faces a $2 million deficit. Sauline and Christopher added that the city is spending fund balances this year, will not again receive $250,000 from the municipal court and $250,000 collected from an estate this year, and income tax receipts are estimated to dip $80,000 by year's end. Treasurer John Martin said the city collected $1,838,962 in income tax through May 2001. This year's collection stands at $1,790,330 with two days left in the month. yovich@vindy.com